Page 171 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

She didn’t stop walking until they reached the table. When she turned, he realized she was livid. “That man was intolerable,” she hissed.

“Yes, he is.”

She shook her head. “What’s his problem?”

“Cliff’s always been a pompous jerk. He got it in for me when I soaped up the fountains in front of the bank where his wife worked.”

A laugh gurgled in her throat. “Are you serious?”

“Yep. And then there was the time he caught me sneaking into this very ski resort.”

She shook her head. “You were a menace.”

He drew his lips together. “I’m afraid so.” A smile tugged at his lips. “But I’m a changed man now.”

She put a hand on her hip. “Try telling that to the poor chopping block you destroyed.”

He winced. “I guess I deserved that.”

She cocked her head like she’d just thought of something. “It must’ve been hard to come back here, when people like the sheriff have so little regard for you.”

“Yeah, I suppose. But coming back has made me realize that for every person like Sheriff Hendricks there are lots of good people too.” His eyes held hers. “The main reason I brought you here was because I knew I could keep you safe.”Of course coming to a public party wasn’t part of the plan, but so far, everything seems to be going okay.

She gave him a radiant smile. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

She touched his cheek. “For being you.”

A few minutes later, after they’d gotten their fill of punch and cookies, Delaney motioned at the stage. “Who’s the band?”

“I dunno. Someone local, I guess. I’ve never heard of them before.”

She pursed her lips. “They’re pretty good.”

He made a face. “I would hardly call singing off key and fumbling over the lyricsgood.”

She laughed. “Don’t be mean.” She motioned with her head. “Let’s get closer, watch them perform.”

“Ah, the truth comes out. You’re wishing you were up there performing. It’s hard to be a peon in the audience,” he teased, “after you’ve gotten a taste of stardom. Don’t worry, you’ll be back up there before you know it.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” She tugged on his hand. “Come on.”

Delaney’s nerves were jumping like a scared rabbit. Had they not been in a crowded place, she was sure Corbin would’ve picked up on her emotional state by now. Wallace’s bear story kept running through her mind. He was right. Time was running out, she could feel it. But she didn’t want to do anything to harm Corbin or his family. Wallace assured her that everything would be okay, but what if he was mistaken? He’d never met Hugh, didn’t realize how ruthless Hugh was. Still, it would be better to face Hugh when they were prepared. He would find them eventually. She offered up a silent prayer, asking for courage to do what must be done.

They were standing near the stage, watching the band. Corbin was right. The group of middle-aged men weren’t very good, but the audience didn’t seem to mind. Corbin’s arm was draped over her shoulders as they swayed to the beat of the music.

“Hey there,” Madison Wells chirped loudly as she threaded through the people to reach their side.

Delaney cringed.Not that dreadful woman again.

“Hey, Madison,” Corbin said dully. The pained look on his face was so obvious that Delaney couldn’t help but chuckle.

Madison gave her a blistering look. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh, nothing,” Delaney said nonchalantly.Just wondering when you’re gonna get a clue that Corbin is taken,she added mentally.

“Remember when we came to a sweetheart dance together, Corbin?” Madison asked, her tone going intimate. “It was right here on this very floor. We danced every dance and then afterwards, we went back to my house.” Her eyes took on a dreamy look. “You played the guitar and sang that song you wrote for me. Then we got into the hot tub together.” She giggled. “Well, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you about that. It’s certainly imprinted on my mind and heart.”

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